Package size control and method



Jan. 26, 1960 o. L. HOPE PACKAGE SIZE CONTROL AND METHOD Filed April 12,1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 STOP MOTION INVENTOR. OEVILLE L. Hove.

BY6\fin-,bd1) **W ATTORNEY 5 Jan. 26, 1960 o. L. HOPE PACKAGE SIZECONTROL AND METHOD 4 Sheets$heet 2 Filed April 12, 1956 INVENTORIOvavmj- L. HOPE.

BY M gkB QJ-JA'W ATTORNEYS Jan. 26, 1960 O. L. HOPE PACKAGE SIZE CONTROLAND METHOD 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 12, 1956 INVENTOR. ORVlLL-E- L.HOPE.

ATTORNEYS Jan. 26, 1960 I o. L. HOPE 2,922,272

PACKAGE SIZE CONTROL AND METHOD Filed April 12, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 4SUCTION I06 SouQCE- INVENTOR. Oavuu: L.HoPc.

United States Patent PACKAGE SIZE CONTROL AND METHOD Orville L. Hope,Gastonia, N.C., assigior of twenty percent to David Floyd We'stmorelandand twenty percent to Charles H. Marcotte, both of Charlotte, N.C.

Application April 12, 1956, Serial No. 577,721

9 Claims. (Cl. 57-78) This invention generally relates to the art offorming yarn packages wherein traveler supporting rings and travelersare used as in spinning machines, twister machines and the like, and itis the primary object of this invention to provide means responsive to ayarn package being built up to a predetermined diameter relative to aring encircling the package for actuating a mechanical element ormechanism, such as the stop motion of a spinning or twister machine, awarning device, a thread parting means or any other desired means whichmay be mechanically, electrically or fluid-pressure controlled.

As, is Well known, yarn is fed onto bobbins, spools and other yarncarriers on spinning machines, twister machines and other textilemachines by means of a traveler which traverses a ring through which theyarn carrier extends and wherein means are provided to effect relativeaxial movement between the ring and the yarn carrier. It has beencustomary, heretofore, for an attendant to inspect each and every yarncarrier at frequent intervals during the depositing of yarn thereon and,when it has appeared that the bobbins or other yarn carriers on aparticular machine werefilled with yarn to the desired diameter, theattendant would then have to stop the machine and doif each of thebobbins or yarn carriers and then the attendant would position a yarncarrier upon each of the spindles of the machine, and attach yarn endsto the corresponding yarn carriers.

It is apparent that this procedure has resulted in yarn packages Whichwould be of varying diameters on different machines, although thespining or twisting rings may be of the same diameter and would resultin yarn packages of lesser diameter than the maximum capable of beingformed on a particular machine.

It is therefore another object of this invention to provide an improvedmethod and means to facilitate production of yarn packages of uniformdiameter, including means under control of the diameter of a yarnpackage relative to the diameter of a ring encircling the yarn packagefor parting the yarn in its course to the yarn package.

It is another object of this invention to provide a device for use onspinning machines, twisters and the like, which device is responsive toa yarn package attaining a predetermined diameter, and is positionedadjacent the path of formation of the package as it is being wound, withmeans controlled by said device for controlling a controllablemechanism.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of thecharacter last described including a movable actuator positioned in theWall of the annular ring holder, which actuator is normally biasedinwardlyv at an angle to the periphery of the yarn package being formedand, upon the yarn package extending therethrough reaching apredetermined maximum diameter, the actuator is moved outwardly, eitherby engagement thereof by the periphery of the yarn or by the pressure ofair currents thereagainst effected by rotation of the yarn packageclosely adjacent the actuator, and wherein "ice means are provided inresponse to such outward movement of the actuator for moving aninterrupter element into the path of the yarn, preferably adjacent thepath of travel of the traveler, or into engagement with the traveler.

It is still another object of this invention to provide apparatus of thecharacter last described wherein the means for parting the yarn is inthe form of a braking device disposed adjacent the yarn carrier servingas the source of yarn for a particular yarn-receiving carrier with meansresponsive to outward movement of said actuator for actuating saidbraking device to stop rotation of the source yarn package whereby theyarn is parted as it is pulled from the yarn package through the usualdelivery rolls.

It is still another object of this invention to provide apparatus of thecharacter last described wherein outward movement of said actuatoroperates a switch interposed in an electrical circuit to a stop motion,a thread parting means or a braking device for the carrier of the sourceyarn package.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of thecharacter described wherein said actuator moves a valve member intoengagement with an orifice in a fluid pressure system and wherein thefluid pressure system has a pneumatic or fluid pressure relay ordiaphragm assembly interposed therein to thereby actuate the pneumaticrelay, the pneumatic relay, in turn, effecting actuation of a yarnparting means of the character described.

It is a further object of this inventionto provide, in combination witha pneumatic suction means connected to a relay of the characterdescribed, a nozzle extending therefrom and having an orifice in thefree end thereof communicating with the interior of a ring, such as anannular ring holder of a spinning frame or the like, and being soarranged that, upon a yarn package of predetermined diameter beingformed within said ring, the yarn package will close or substantiallyclose said orifice to actuate said relay.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objectswill appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a portionof a ring rail showing a pair of the improved ring holders of the firstform and rings thereon and omitting the ring holder and ring from one ofthe openings therefor to show the configuration of the opening foraccommodating the improved annular ring holder;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 22 in Figure 1 and showing, schematically, an electricalcircuit in association therewith;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary inverted plan view, partially in section,looking substantially along line 33 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to the right handportion of Figure 2, but showing how a filled yarn carrier moves theactuator outwardly to, in turn, move an abutment into the path of thetraveler or yarn;

Figure 5 is an inverted plan view, partially in section, takensubstantially along line 5-5 in Figure 4 and being similar to Figure 3,but showing the actuator in a different position from that of Figure 3;v

Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevation taken substantially along line 66 in"Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a portion of a spinning or similarmachine showing a braking device adjacent the corresponding yarn sourcepackage as controlled by mechanism such as is shown in Figures 1 through6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view, partially in section,taken substantially along line 88 in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of a ring rail showingthe improved ring holder with a ring mounted thereon and includinganother form of traveler or yarn-interrupting means and showing one ofthe openings in the ring rail with the ring holder and ring omitted;

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view takensubstantially along line 10-10 in Figure 9 and showing the ring and ringholder encircling a partially filled yarn carrier or bobbin;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view, partially in section, similar to thecentral portion of Figure 10, but showing the yarn package completelyformed to where it has imparted outward movement to the actuator, andshowing the interrupter element in operative position;

Figure 12 is an inverted plan view, partially in section, takensubstantially along line 1212 in Figure 11;

Figures 13 and 14 are inverted plan views similar to Figure 12 showingthe actuator in two different positions and wherein the inner surface ofthe actuator is provided with baffles defining air pockets therein intowhich air is forced by rotation of the package adjacent thereto to causethe actuator to move from the position of Figure 13 to that of Figure 14without actually being engaged by the yarn package;

Figure 15 is an isometric view of the actuator provided with the airpockets therein;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figures 2, l0 and 11, partially insection, showing a valve means under control of the actuator ininoperative position, for controlling the flow of fluid pressure to afluid-pressure-actuated or air-pressure-actuated relay or diaphragmassembly which, in turn, controls a yarn or traveler interrupter means;

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16, showing the fluid pressure orpneumatic relay in section and showing the actuator and the interruptermeans in operative position;

Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 16 showing a conduit extendingfrom the pneumatic relay and communicating with the interior of the ringholder with the corresponding interrupter means in inoperative position;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary top plan view of the structure in Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 18, but showing the relay insection and showing how closing of the orifice formed in the ring holderis closed or substantially closed by a filled package and causesactuation of the interrupter means.

Referring more specifically to the drawings and to Figures 1 through 7,in particular, a ring rail 10 of a spinning machine, twister machine oranalogous machine is shown which is provided with a plurality oflongitudinally spaced substantially circular openings 11 therein, eachfor receiving a reduced portion 12 of the improved annular ring holder,broadly designated at 13. The ring holder 13 is generally ofconventional construction and may be modified to accommodate theimproved actuator as will be hereinafter described. Accordingly, theparticular type of ring holder illustrated in the drawings is to beconstrued as typical of many different types of ring holders and theimproved mechanism need not necessarily be applied to the specified typeof ring holder shown in the drawings. The ring holder 13 supports aconventional spinning or twister ring 14, which may be broadly termed asa traveler guiding ring, and whose flanged upper portion has aconventional ring traveler 15 positioned thereon.

A bobbin, spool or other form of yarn carrier 17, extends through eachring 14 and a yarn package P is formed or wound on the carrier 17 fromyarn Y which is drawn from a suitable source such as a source packageP-1 shown in the upper portion of Figure 7. The yarn of the sourcepackage P-l is carried by a creel bobbin or yarn carrier 18 having acircular base 19 and a skewer 22 on its lower end. The lower end of theboard 23.

skewer is supported for free rotation on the usual creel In thisinstance, the yarn Y passes from the yarn package P-1, through a seriesof delivery rolls or drafting rolls 20, downwardly through a yarn guide21, through the corresponding ring traveler 15 (Figures 1, 2 and 4) tothe receiving bobbin or yarn carrier 17. As is well known during thedepositing of the yarn Y on the bobbin or yarn carrier 17, relativeaxial movement is effected between the ring rail 10 and the yarn carrier17.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 through 6, the annularwall or reduced portion 12 of the ring holder 13 is cut away to form anopening 25 therein in which an actuator 26, in the form of a relativelysmall arcuate or segmental plate is loosely positioned, the curvature ofat least the inner surface of the actuator 26 preferably conformingsubstantially to the curvature of the inner periphery of the ring holder13. The actuator 26 may be pivotally connected to the ring holder on anaxis substantially parallel with the axis of the ring holder by anysuitable means and may also be biased inwardly a predetermined amount byany suitable means. However, in the present instance, both the pivotalconnection for the actuator 26 and the means to bias or resiliently urgethe same inwardly are combined by using a leafspring member 30 which issuitably secured to the outer surface of the reduced annular portion 12of the ring holder 13 adjacent the rear edge of the opening 25 withrespect to the direction of rotation of the package P and yarn carrier17. The forward portion of spring 30 is attached to the outer surface ofthe actuator or plate 26, the leaf-spring member 30 being inherentlybiased inwardly relative to the ring holder 13 to thereby normally urgethe free forward end of the plate or actuator 26 inwardly so that itsinner foremost edge is disposed inwardly of the inner surface of theannular ring holder 13, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

It will be noted in Figures 1, 2 and 3 that the yarn package P is in theprocess of being formed or wound and has not reached its filleddiameter. On the other hand, it will be observed in Figures 4 and 5 thatthe yarn package P has reached a diameter substantially the same as thatof the inner periphery of the annular ring holder 13 and, in so doing,the periphery of the yarn package P has engaged and moved the actuator26 outwardly in opposition to the spring 30. There are many difierenttypes of mechanisms or devices which may be operated under control ofthe actuator and, in Figures 1 through 6, the actuator 26 is used forthe dual purpose of actuating or closing a switch 31 and actuating aninterrupter element 32.

The switch 31 may be of conventional construction and the housingthereof is suitably secured to the lower surface of the ring rail 10, asby screws 33. The switch 31 has a push button 34 thereon which isnormally urged outwardly by conventional means, not shown, in engagementwith a switch arm 35 pivotally connected to the housing of the switch 31and urged into engagement with a link 36 connected to and extendingoutwardly from the outer surface of the actuator or plate 26, as by ascrew 37.

The outer end of the link 36 is loosely penetrated by a pin or screw 40which extends upwardly and is connected to the lower end of a lever 41.A medial portion of the lever 41 is fulcrumed on a shaft or rod 42 whichspans a notch 43 formed in the outer periphery of the flange 16 on theupper portion of the ring holder 13. The rod or pin 42 is suitablysecured to the outer surface of said flange 16, as by screws 44 (Figure6). The notch 43 is provided to accommodate the lever 41. The abutmentor interrupter 32 is shown in the form of an adjustment screw in Figures1, 2, 4 and 6, which is threaded through the upper portion of lever 41and is secured in the desired adjusted position by a lock nut 45. Itwill be noted that the abutment 32 is positioned on substantially thesame level asthe upper portion of the spinning ring 14 so that, uponbeing moved inwardly from the position of Figure 2 to that of Figure 4,the abutment or interrupter 32 moves into the path of the traveler 15 tostop movement of the traveler and to thereby break the yarn Y.

In many instances, the interrupter 32 may dislodge the traveler 15 fromengagement with the flanged upper portion of the ring 14. However, thisis not detrimental. As a matter of fact, it is desirable that thetraveler 15 be removed after each package P has been built up to thedesired diameter so the traveler 15 may be replaced with a new travelerin order that the traveler 15 does not become excessively worn anddamage the yarn Y passing therethrough. If so desired, the interrupter32 may be threaded through a hole 46 through the lever 41, on a higherlevel than the level at which the screw 32 is shown in Figures 2 and 4,so the traveler 15 will pass beneath the interrupter 32 when the same ismoved into operative position. In this instance, the interrupter 32 willthen engage the yarn Y above the traveler 15 to part the same withoutengaging the traveler 15.

As heretofore stated, during the winding of the yarn Y on the package P(Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5), the actuator or plate 26 occupies the inwardposition shown in Figures 2 and 3. Upon the package P reaching thedesired diameter and substantially filling the ring 14 or, at least, thering holder 13, the periphery of the yarn package engages the innersurface of the actuator or plate 26 and moves the same outwardly againstthe pressure of spring 30 to substantially the position shown in Figures4 and 5. Now, as the actuator 26 is thus moved outwardly, theinterrupter 32 is moved inwardly to operative position. It is alsoapparent that, with outward movement of the actuator 26, the push button34 is depressed to actuate the switch 31. The switch 31 may beinterposed in an electrical circuit to a conventional electrical stopmotion 56, a warning device 51 and/ or a braking device such as thatbroadly designated at 52 in Figures 7 and 8. Of course, the switch 31may operate any electrical device. By way of example, the switch 31 isshown in Figure 2 as being a normally open switch which, upon beingclosed by depression of the push button 34 in the manner heretoforedescribed, will energize the warning device 51, which is shown in theform of an incandescent lamp, and the electrical stop motion 50 which isshown schematically in Figure 2.

It is contemplated that there would be a separate lamp 51 for each ofthe plurality of packages P so the attendant may immediately determinewhich yarn carrier or yarn carriers are completely filled upon thecorresponding warning signal or lamp 51 becoming energized. On the otherhand, the electrical stop motion need only be interposed in a circuit tothe switch 31 for any one of a plurality of yarn packages P. It isfurther contemplated that all of the switches 31 associated with aplurality of the improved actuators may be arranged in series forcontrolling a single stop motion upon any one of the correspondingpackages P becoming filled to the desired diameter.

In the present instance, the switch 31 has a pair of conductors 55, 56connected to opposite sides thereof, the electrical stop motion 50 andthe warning signal 51 being shown interposed in series in the conductor56. The ends of the conductors 55, 56 remote from the switch 31 areconnected to a suitable plug or electrical connector 60 which may beconnected to a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown. Theconductor 55 preferably has a manually operable master switch 62interposed therein.

It will be noted in the left-hand portion of Figure l and in Figures 2,3, 4 and 5, that the wall of each ring holder opening 11 in the ringrail is provided with a relatively deep notch or recess 65 therein ,anda shallow arcuate recess 66 which are provided to accommodate the lowerportion of the lever 41 and the leaf-spring member 30. In someinstances, it may be desirable to omit the lever 41 and the particularform of interrupter 32 shown in Figures 1 through 6 and it is apparentthat the switch 31 may then be positioned so the switch arm 35 isengaged by the outer surface of the actuator 26 or by an abutment on theactuator which abutment is shown, in Figures 10 through 14, in the formof an adjustment screw 67 threaded into the actuator 26 and secured inadjusted position as by a lock nut 68.

In Figures 7 and 8, the switch 31 is interposed in an electrical circuitto a solenoid coil of the braking mechanism or device 52 instead ofbeing interposed in a circuit to a warning signal or stop motion, asshown in Figure 2. When the braking device 52 is used, it is preferablethat the interrupter 32 is omitted, since the braking device 52functions to stop rotation of the source package P-1 to break the yarnbetween the package P-1 and the drafting rolls or delivery rolls 20. Thebraking device 52 comprises a brake lever or arm 72 which is fulcrumedfor oscillation about a substantial vertical axis, as at 73, on thecreel board 23. The brake lever or arm 72 is pro vided with an arcuatebraking surface 74 thereon which is preferably provided with a suitablefriction or brake lining.

The arcuate or curved surface '74 of the brake lever 72 is normallyspaced adjacent the circular base 19 of the creel bobbin 18 having theyarn source package P-l wound thereon. The end of the brake lever 72opposite from the end having surface 74 thereon has one end of a link 76pivotally connected thereto whose other end is pivotally connected to asolenoid plunger 77 surrounded by a solenoid coil 80 suitably secured tothe upper surface of the creel board 23. The conductor 56 extends fromone side of the switch 31 to one side of the solenoid 80 and theconductor 58 extends from one side of the plug '60 to the other side ofthe solenoid coil 80. It will be noted that the curved surface 74 isnormally maintained out of engagement with the periphery of the circularbase 19 of the corresponding bobbin 18 by a tension spring 81 (Figure7). It is apparent that the braking device 52 may operate against theupper end of the bobbin 18 if such bobbin is suspended on the creel.

It is apparent that, upon outward movement of the actuator 26 beingeffected by filled package P, as shown in Figure 4, the switch 31 closesthe circuit to the solenoid coil 80 to cause the brake lever 72 to movein a clockwise direction in Figure 8 to move the curved surface 74thereof against the base 19 of the creel bobbin 18 to stop rotationthereof and to thereby part the yarn Y between package P-1 and thedrafting or delivery rolls 20. This has the advantage over theinterrupter, such as that indicated at 32 in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, inthat the parting of the yarn at the source package P-1 prevents therolls 20 from continuing a delivering or pulling yarn off the packageP-l while, on the other hand, the interrupter 32 parts the yarn adjacentthe package P being formed and the roll 20 would then continue to drawyarn oif the source package P-l.

In Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, the improved actuator 26 is shown asarranged for control ing a second form of interrupter means utilizingthe switch 31 and a solenoid. Accordingly, the same reference characterswill apply to identical or similar parts in all of the Figures 1 through12 in order to avoid repetitive description.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 9 through 12, the link,such as link 36 in Figure 2, is omitted and the actuator 26 has theadjustment screw 67 adjustably threaded thereinto and the lock nut 68provided thereon for maintaining the same in the desired adjustedposition for engaging the arm 35 of the switch 31 when the actuator 26is moved outwardly to operative position as shown in Figure 11. InFigures 9, 10 and ll, the conductor 56 leads to one end of a solenoidcoil to the other end of which the conductor 58 is connected. Thesolenoid coil 90 is mounted in a suitable bracket 91 suitably secured tothe upper surface of the ring rail adjacent the ring holder 13. The coil90 surrounds a solenoid plunger 92 having an interrupter element 93 onits inner end in the form of a reduced extension which is disposed abovethe level of the upper edge of the spinning ring 14 for engaging eitherthe traveler or the yarn Y when the solenoid coil 90 is energized asshown in Figure 11. The outer end of the solenoid plunger 92 has anenlarged portion 94 thereon which limits inward movement of the plunger92 when the coil 90 is energized.

It is apparent that, upon the external diameter of the package Pbecoming sufficient to move the actuator 26 outwardly and to close theswitch 31, the solenoid coil 90 is energized to cause the interrupterelement 93 to move into the path of the yarn Y and/ or the traveler 15to thus part the yarn in the same manner as that described for theinterrupter 32 of Figures 1, 2 and 4. When the coil 1 90 is subsequentlyde-energized, the interrupter 93 is returned to the inoperative positionshown in Figure 10 by means of a tension spring 96, the outer end ofwhich is connected to the bracket 91 and the inner end of which isconnected to a spring anchor 97 projecting upwardly from the inner endof the solenoid plunger 92 adjacent the interrupter element 93. It willbe noted that the spring anchor 97 also serves as a stop to limitoutward movement of the interrupter 93 and solenoid plunger 92 as theanchor 97 engages the inner surface of the bracket 91.

In Figures 13, 14 and 15 the actuator 26 is shown with its inner faceprovided with a plurality of spaced inwardly and forwardly inclinedbaflies 100 which define a plurality of air pockets 10 1. The baflles100 and air pockets 101 may be provided when the actuator 26 is used inassociation with the interrupter element 32 of Figures 1 through 6, thebraking device 52 of Figures 7 and 8 and the interrupter element 93 ofFigures 9 through 12. The actuator 26d as used in Figures 16 and 17 mayalso be provided with the baffles 100 and recesses or air pockets 101 asshown in Figures 13, 14 and 15.

The bafiles and air pockets 100, 101 are provided in the actuator 26, insome instances, to avoid the necessity of the periphery of the yarnpackage P actually contacting the inner surface of the correspondingactuator 26, since rotation of the package P during the forming of thesame develops currents of air adjacent the periphery of the package Pwhich move in generally the same direction as the periphery of thepackage P and, as these currents of air are compressed between the ringholder 13 or the actuator 26 and the periphery of the package P upon thepackage reaching the diameter, movements of these air currents ispartially interrupted by the battles 100 as the air enters the pockets26 to thus force the corresponding actuator 26 outwardly from, say, theposition shown in Figure 13 to the position shown in Figure 14, tothereby either close the switch 31 as shown in Figure 14 or to actuatethe interrupter 32 or 93, or the braking device 52 or the interruptershown in Figures 16 and '17 or 18, 19 and as the case may be. Theinterrupters in Figures 16 and 17 and 18, 19 and 20 will now bedescribed.

Since many of the parts shown in Figures 16 and 17 are similar to oridentical to parts shown in Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, such parts shownin Figures 16 and 17 shall bear the same reference characters with thesmall letter d aflixed thereto.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 16 Patent No. 2,431,726issued December 2,' 1947. In Figure 16, the source of suction is showndiagrammatically and indicated at 106.

In this instance, the pneumatic relay is in the form of a housingincluding outer and inner cup-like members 110, 111 whose flangedproximal surfaces are secured to opposed sides of a flexible diaphragm112. The interrupter element 93d is in the form of a piston rod mountedfor axial movement in a projection 113 formed integral with the member111 and having its inner end suitably attached to the central portion ofthe diaphragm 112.

A conduit or pipe 115 extends from the suction source 106 and iscommunicatively connected to the cup-like member 11 1 of the diaphragmassembly or pneumatic relay 105. The diaphragm assembly 105-is suitablyattached to the ring rail 10d as by a bracket 116. One end of a conduitor pipe 117 is also communicatively connected to the cup-like member'111 and extends through the ring rail 10d and its other end is open toform an orifice 120 therein which is adapted to, at times, be closed orrestricted by a valve member 121 which is shown in Figures 16 and 17 asbeing attached to the outer end of the adjustment screws 67d carried bythe actuator 26:1. The valve member 121 is preferably made from acushion material such as rubber, leather, felt or the like.

Now, assuming that the diameter of the package Pd is less than themaximum desired diameter, as shown in Figure 16, it is apparent that theactuator 26d then occupies inward position so the valve member 120 isspaced from the orifice 120 sumciently to permit air to enter theconduit 117 so the negative pressure developed by the suction source 106will be ineffective to impart movement to the diaphragm 112, with theresult that the diaphragm will occupy relaxed position. While thediaphragm is in relaxed position, it is apparent that the interrupterelement 93d would then occupy withdrawn or inoperative position as shownin Figure 16.

On the other hand, when the package Pd has been built up to the desireddiameter and imparts outward movement to the actuator 26d as shown inFigure 17, the valve member 120 is moved toward or against the orifice120 to close or restrict the same and to thereby increase the pressurein the cup-like member 111 of the diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay105. It is apparent that the negative pressure then created in thecup-like member 111 will cause the diaphragm 112 to move toward the ring14a, or to substantially the position shown in Figure 17, to therebymove the interrupter element 93d into the path of travel of the traveler15d or the path of the yarn Yd.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 18 through 20, a diaphragmassembly or pneumatic relay is also used for imparting movement to thecorresponding interrupter element and, as a matter of fact, thediaphragm assembly 105 of Figures 16 and 17 may be interchanged with thediaphragm assembly shown in Figures 18 to 20, without departing from thespirit of the invention. Also, in the form of the invention shown inFigures 18 through 20, the actuator is omitted. However, since many ofthe parts in Figures 18 through 20 are similar to parts shown in Figures16 and 17, the same numerals shall apply to like parts shown in Figures18 through 20 with the small letter 2 substituted for the small letterd.

The diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay in Figures 18 through 20 isbroadly designated at 125 and actually functions in substantially thesame manner as the diaphragm assembly 105, but is so designed as toreduce friction between relatively movable parts thereof as compared tothe relatively movable parts of the diaphragm assembly 105 shown inFigures 16 and 17. The diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay 125comprises a cup-like member or housing 126 to which one end of a pipeor. conduit '127 is communicatively connected, the other end of theconduit 127 being connected to a suitable source of suction showndiagrammatically at 130. Here again, the suction source 130 may beembodied in a suction type clearer mechanism as heretofore described.The flanged outer end of the cup-like member 126 also has a flexiblediaphragm 131 secured thereto, as by means of a ring or open disk 132and screws or rivets 133. The ring 132 has a bracket 134 suitablysecured thereto or formed integral therewith for securing the diaphragmassembly or pneumatic relay 125 to the ring rail a.

A rod 136 is attached to the central portion of the flexible diaphragm13 1 and extends outwardly therefrom, through the ring 132 and has theouter transverse portion of a substantially rectangular yoke 137suitably attached thereto. The yoke 137 is of sufficient size toencompass the diaphragm assembly 125, and its inner transverse portionhas a relatively small projection 140 thereon which serves as aninterrupter element. The interrupter element 140 is guided upon or inthe bifurcated upper end of a guide post 141 for which a screw eye maybe substituted, if desired. The guide post 141 is disposed closelyadjacent the path of travel of the traveler 15e and is suitablyconnected to the flange 16s of the ring holder 13e, as by being threadedthereinto.

The cup-like member 126 of the diaphragm assembly 125 also has one endof a conduit or pipe 143 communicatively connected thereto and extendingdownwardly through the ring rail 10e, but, instead of the free end ofthe conduit 143 terminating short of the ring holder 13e in the mannerof the conduit 117 in Figures 16 and 17, the conduit 143 extends throughthe reduced annular portion Me of the ring holder 13a to form an orifice144 communicating with the interior of the annular ring holder 13e.Although it may not be necessary in some instances, the inner surface ofthe annular portion 12:: of the ring holder 13:: is provided with aprojection 145 forming the orifice 144 with which the free end of theconduit 143 communicates. The projection 145 is provided in order thatthe traveler 15e will not be engaged by the periphery of the package Pebefore the package Pe has built up to a sufficient size to close orsubstantially restrict the orifice 144.

It is apparent that, when the diameter of the package Pe is less thanthe desired maximum diameter to be obtained, the orifice 144 remainsopen so as to prevent the creation of negative pressure between thediaphragm 131 and the cup-like member 126 and so the diaphragm 131 willthen remain'in relaxed position and the interrupter element 140 willremain in withdrawn or inoperative position. However, when the diameterof the package Pe has increased to where the periphery of the package Pewill close or substantially restrict the orifice 144, it is apparentthat the suction source 130 will then create a negative pressure withinthe cup-like member 126 to cause the diaphragm 131 to move inwardlysubstantially as shown in Figure and to thereby move the interrupterelement 140 into the path of travel of the traveler 15e and/or the yarnYe. Thus, the yarn package Pe directly controls the size of the orifice144 in the air intake pipe or conduit 143 shown in Figures 18 and 20,thereby eliminating the need for an actuator having a valve memberthereon such as is used in the form of the invention shown in Figures 16and 17.

It is thus seen that I have provided various forms of novel means forpredetermining the maximum diameter of yarn packages being wound undercontrol of the diameter of the yarn packages themselves; such controlserving to part the yarn by moving an interrupter element into the pathof travel of a traveler or of yarn passing through or directed to thetraveler, or by stopping rotation of a yarn package from which yarn isbeing pulled in its course to the package of yarn being formed, or byactuating an electrical circuit to a warning signal,

10 an electrical stop motion or any other desired type of electricaldevice.

Although the invention has been described as particularly adapted to beassociated with textile machinery, such as spinning frames, twisters andthe like, it is apparent that the invention can be readily applied tocon trol the winding of strand material such as ropes, electricalconductors, etc. and web material, such as tape or the like, wherein itis desirable that the amount or length of material wound into a packagebe predetermined.

The present invention, as embodied in the various forms disclosedherein, is particularly advantageous when used with spinning or twistingmachines equipped with a builder motion so constructed as to permitcontinuous uninterrupted operation of a spinning machine or twistermachine while permitting the dofling and donning of bobbins from a givenmachine at any desired intervals independently of each other withoutstopping the machine. A builder motion of the character last describedforms a part of my separate application Serial No. 577,722 filed April12, 1956 and entitled Method and Means for Producing Tapered YarnPackages.

In the drawings and specification there have been set forth preferredembodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in theclaims.

I claim:

1. A package size control device for controlling the size of yarnpackages on a yarn spinning or twisting machine having a plurality ofrotatable bobbins, a ring encircling each bobbin, a traveler mountedupon each ring for guiding yarn from a source to each bobbin, saidcontrol device comprising detecting means positioned adjacent each ofsaid bobbins to detect the winding of a predetermined amount of yarn onsaid bobbin, and means operable in response to said detecting means forparting the yarn at a point between said source and said bobbin.

2. In a machine of the character having rotatable bobbins, a verticallyreciprocable ring rail, ring holders mounted in the ring rail andencircling each bobbin, a ring carried by each ring holder, a travelermounted upon each ring for guiding yarn from a source to each bobbin andsaid ring holder having an opening in one side thereof; the combinationof an actuator loosely positioned in said opening, means resilientlyurging said actuator,'at least in part, inwardly of the inner peripheryof the ring holder whereby, upon a bobbin becoming filled with yarn, theperiphery of the yarn on the bobbin engages and nnparts outward movementto the actuator, a solenoid, a normally open switch interposed in anelectrical circuit to the solenoid, means carried by the actuator andengageable with said switch for closing the same upon outward movementof said actuator to thereby energize said solenoid, means supportingsaid solenoid adjacent the ring, said solenoid including a solenoidplunger, an interrupter element carried by said plunger and normallyurged to retracted position relative to the ring and disposed on a levelsubstantially the same as that of the upper surface of the ring, andenergization of said solenoid causing said plunger to move theinterrupter element into the path of the traveler on the correspondingring.

3. In a machine of the character having rotatable yamreceiving bobbins,a source of yarn including a freely rotating creel bobbin rotated by thepull of the yarn therefrom, a vertically reciprocable ring rail, ringholders mounted in the ring rail and encircling each receiving bobbin, aring carried by each ring holder, a traveler mounted upon each ring forguiding yarn from said source to each receiving bobbin and said ringholder having an opening in one side thereof; the combination of anactuator loosely positioned in said opening, means resiliently urgingsaid actuator inwardly of the inner periphery of the ring holderwhereby, upon a receiving bobbin becoming filled with yarn, theperiphery of the yarn on the bobbin imparts outward movement to theactuator, a solenoid, a normally opened switch interposed in anelectrical circuit to the solenoid, means carried by the actuator andengageable with said switch for closing the same upon outward movementof said actuator to thereby energize said solenoid, means supporting'said solenoid adjacent said creel bobbin, a pivoted arm having abraking surface thereon normally spaced from and adjacent to the base ofthe corresponding creel bobbin, a plunger in said solenoid, meansconnecting the solenoid plunger with said arm, and said solenoid plungerbeing adapted to impart movement to the arm to move the braking surfaceinto engagement with said creel bobbin upon energization of the solenoidto thereby stop rotation of the creel bobbin to cause breaking of theyarn as it is withdrawn therefrom.

4. In a machine of the characterhaving rotatable bobbins, a verticallyreciprocable ring rail, ring holders mounted in the ring rail andencircling each bobbin, a ring carried by each ring holder, a travelermounted upon each ring for guiding yarn from a source to each bobbin andsaid ring holder having an opening in one side thereof; the combinationof an actuator positioned in said opening and normally biased inwardlyat an angle to the periphery of the corresponding bobbin, an interrupternormally spaced adjacent the upper surface of said ring and out of thepath of the traveler, fluid-pressure-actuated means for moving saidinterrupter into the path of said traveler, and means to render saidfluid pressure-actuated means operative with outward movement of saidactuator as eflected by the diameter of the yarn on the correspondingbobbin becoming suflicient to substantially engage the correspondingactuator.

5. In a machine of the character having rotatable bobbins, a verticallyreciprocable ring rail, ring holders mounted in the ring rail andencircling each bobbin, a ring carried by each ring holder, a travelermounted upon each ring for guiding yarn from a source to each bobbin'andsaid ring holder having an opening in one side thereof; the combinationof an actuator positioned in said opening, means normally urging atleast a part of the actuator inwardly of the inner periphery of the ringholder, a diaphragm assembly fixed to the ring rail adjacent thecorresponding ring holder, said diaphragm assembly including a housing,a flexible diaphragm positioned in a medial portion of said housing, arod connected to the central portion of said diaphragm, an interrupterelement connected with said rod and normally disposed adjacent the pathof the traveler on the corresponding ring when the diaphragm is inrelaxed position, a first conduit connected to said housing and leadingto a source of suction, a second conduit connected to said housing andhaving its free end forming an orifice adjacent said actuator wherebyair normally enters said orifice and said housing to prevent creation ofnegative pressure in said housing, and a valve member carriedby saidactuator and movable into engagement with the free 12 end of the secondconduit when the amount of yarn fed onto the bobbin is sufficient toimpart outward movement to said actuator whereby negative pressure isthen created in said housing to cause the diaphragm to move in thecorresponding direction to, in turn, move the interrupter element intothe path of said traveler.

6. A structure according to claim 5 wherein said interrupter element isformed as part of said rod and wherein said rod loosely penetrates saidhousing at the side thereof remote from the diaphragm relative to saidconduits.

7. A structure according to claim 5 wherein said interrupter element isin the form of a pin, a substantially rectangular yoke to which said pinis connected, said yoke loosely encompassing the housing of saiddiaphragm assembly, and means connecting the end of the rod remote fromsaid diaphragm to the rectangular yoke at a point substantially oppositefrom the point thereof from which the pin extends.

8. In a machine for winding yarn onto substantially upright bobbins,said machine having a vertically reciprocable ring rail, ring holderspositioned in said ring rail and encircling said bobbins, a ring carriedby each ring holder, and a traveler mounted on each ring and throughwhich the corresponding yarn passes in its course to the correspondingbobbin; the combination of an interrupter element normally spacedadjacent the path of travel of the traveler on each of said rings, ahousing, a flexible diaphragm positioned in said housing, a rodconnected to said diaphragm, means connecting the interrupter element tosaid rod, a first conduit connected to said housing and leading to asource of suction, a second conduit connected to said housing andleading therefrom to the ring holder and communicating with the interiorof the ring holder to form an orifice thereat, and the yarn on thebobbin, upon being built up to a predetermined diameter, servingsubstantially to close the orifice whereby the source of suction createsnegative pressure in the housing to flex the diaphragm and thereby movethe interrupter element into the path of travel of the traveler on thecorresponding ring to part the yarn.

9. The method of controlling the size of yarn packages in a yarnspinning or twisting machine which comprises passing yarn through a ringtraveler on a ring in its course from a source to a rotating bobbin,automatically detecting the winding of a predetermined amount of yarn onsaid bobbin, and automatically parting said yarn at a point between saidsource and said bobbin in response to such detection.

References Cited in the'file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

